Created in 1937 by French painter and lithographer Guillaume Desgranges, this original tourism poster promotes Coutances and its seaside resort of Coutainville, on the western coast of Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula. The design was produced for the local tourism offices in association with the Chemins de fer de l’État, whose emblem appears at the lower right.
The composition brings together the region’s principal attractions. Above a lively market, the soaring twin towers of Coutances Cathedral dominate the scene, presenting the historic town as a destination rich in architecture and tradition. A sweeping diagonal then leads the eye toward Coutainville, where bathers, beach cabins, sailing boats and the open sea evoke the pleasures of a fashionable coastal holiday.
Flowering branches frame the landscape, while a woman wearing a traditional Norman headdress appears prominently in the foreground. This combination of Gothic heritage, local customs and seaside leisure creates a particularly vibrant image of Normandy between the wars. The dark border and strong areas of blue, cream, yellow and red give the poster excellent decorative presence.
The railway medallion bears the words “Réseau des 600 plages,” placing the work within the extensive tourism campaigns through which the French State Railways encouraged holiday travel to coastal destinations. Coutances and Coutainville are presented as complementary attractions: the former for its cathedral and market, the latter for its beaches and maritime atmosphere.
Born in Avranches in 1886, Guillaume Desgranges studied under Fernand Cormon and Charles Léandre and exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français. Closely associated with Normandy throughout his career, he was especially well suited to interpreting the character of the region. Signed and dated within the image, this handsome original poster will appeal to collectors of French railway advertising, Normandy memorabilia and pre-war travel design.
Original Poster
Railway - Normandy - Tourism
Manche - On the west coast of Cotentin
Lucien Serre & Cie Paris
Very good state
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.